Italy are OUT, following a stunning 3-2 defeat by Slovakia. According to the BBC, this is the first time that both defending finalists have been eliminated from the tournament at the group stages.
There are similarities between the early exits of France and Italy, though I doubt that Lippi uses astrology to pick his team. The obvious parallel is a reliance on aging players. In the case of Italy though, this isn't the whole story. Sure, there are tons of over 30 players - Cannavaro (36), Gattuso (32), Iaquinta (30), Di Natale (32), Camoranesi (33), Zambrotta (33), and Pirlo (31). But what was missing was some sort of creative force. Not Totti, as he's also 33 and injury prone. Where is Cassano? He has attitude problems - it's hard to think of a more difficult player in world football - but he's a clever and unpredictable player and he's what Italy need.
Essentially Lippi decided against taking any risks, and paid the price.
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